Holy Empire of Middland

War for Falkenklamm And The First Invasion Of The Northmen

  After Hialbjorn der Gebrochene and his mercenary band were contracted to take then Falenklamm for a local lord had decided to keep it for his and his associates themselves, another war broke out. The lord raised a small army under Aaryd v. Eisenstein to clear out the castle.   Sieging and bombarding the castle with trebuchets caused the defenders to sally out and destroy the siege equipment. The cavalry lead by Orsakar, protected by Raymund de Sade's archers successfully incinerated the trebuchets and retreated back into the castle without to many losses, since the besieger was caught off guard.   This however caused an immediate counter attack by Aaryd v. Eisenstein and they were abel to break the gate open and swarm into the outer courtyard, forcing the defenders to capitulate. Von Eisenstein would have executed the leaders of the mercenaries to show what happens to his opposition, but his liege lord wanted them brought back to stand trial.   So he threw them in chains and put them on carts to bring them home. On the way, however, they were attacked by a band of northmen. Convinced that he would loose the battle, Aaryd v. Eisenstein freed Hialbjorn der Gebrochene and the others so they could help him fend of the attackers. And so they did.   The mercenaries, realizing what they have caused by weakening the security of the fief, were ready to accept punishment and were willing to accompany Von Eisenstein back to the city of his liege lord. Arriving there they found the city besieged by northmen and hedged a plan to sabotage and then attack the camp.   Orsakar was in charge of releasing the horses in the encampment and cause a distraction, while Raymund de Sade poisoned supplies and sabotage the siege engines that were in construction. The rest attacked the camp following a signal from Raymund de Sade and they were hoping that the defenders of the city will use the attack on the enemies encampment to sally out. The plan worked and the northmen were defeated and they scattered in all directions.   During the trial, Von Eisenstein argued that they not only saved his live but the city as well. He emphasized that they could have run after the ambush and escape punishment, but they stayed and risked their live for people that would probably execute them for their crimes. After hearing his most trusted vassal speak on their behalf the liege lord decided to pardon them and draft them into his service. But not as mercenaries, but regular officers.  

Second Invasion Of The Northmen

  After the Holy Empire of Middland was experiencing a golden age of peace and wealth, the northmen invaded the northern coasts of Middland again. This time they were more numerous and far better organized. Pillaging villages and destroying whole cities in the north, forcing the emperor to send troops to battle the invaders.  

Formation Of The Wardens Of Tempest

  With the north devastated and their former liege lord dead, Hialbjorn der Gebrochene and the other founding members of The Wardens Of Tempest returned to Falkenklamm, renaming it to Oculum Tempestas and making it their base of operations.  

Schwabhausen Rebellion

  After Jockel Schwabhausen was imprisoned by the Holy Emperor Karl Folly for causing discontent under the nobles and accusing the emperor of being corrupt, his brother Xander Schwabhausen raised an army and together with other houses attacked the Venecian Merchant Council to stop their alleged smuggling that caused House Schwabhausen severe financial loss.   After the council was attacked from every side, the emperor came to the help of the council dragging the whole empire into civil war, since he declared the Schwabhausen Alliance traitors to the realm, causing loyal or fence sitting vassals to join the emperor either by sending troops or providing money for the war effort.